Striker Sam Parkin could make his return for the reserves when they take on West Ham at Needham Market's Bloomfields on Friday (KO 7pm). Fellow frontman Nicky Forster is also on the comeback trail.

Parkin broke his ankle in November and needed surgery, while Forster underwent his second cartilage operation of the season last month.

Bos Joe Royle says the pair are still a little way from returning to the senior side: "Sam and Nicky are both back in training with the squad - the first time in a long time - and it is good to have them back with us.

"Sam is a little bit ahead and might make an appearance in Friday's reserve game against West Ham, but we're probably looking at two good weeks for them both before they can play in the first team.

"With both of them coming back from operations it has to be a day-to-day thing. They arrived last summer to be our frontline partnership and, through no fault of their own, they have managed to start just six games together, so it would be good if they managed a few before the end of the season."

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